Don't let common dental problems such as underbite (lower teeth are more advanced than upper teeth) stop you from smiling widely. While some underbites are not a problem, others can cause difficulty eating, difficulty speaking, jaw pain, headaches, and sleep apnea. Appropriate treatment depends on the severity of the situation and the patient's age, but will always require the assistance of a dentist or orthodontist.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Treating Mild and Moderate Underbites
Step 1. Ask the dentist about the use of braces / stirrups
Braces are a common technique for dealing with many underbite problems. The length of time using braces depends on the degree of underbite, as well as other dental complications that you have. Consult your dentist or orthodontist to determine the feasibility of this option.
Metal braces are usually used to treat underbites, but clear braces like Invisalign can also be used to treat mild to moderate underbites. Talk to your dentist and dental insurance to decide the best option
Step 2. Talk to your dentist about tooth extraction
Tooth extraction is usually the starting point for underbite correction in adults. Removing a crowd of teeth in the jaw can lower the overall pressure so the other teeth can move into their proper position. This procedure is quite fast and is carried out by a dentist in his clinic.
Before pulling a tooth, the doctor will give a local anesthetic in the area of the tooth to be extracted. If the area is numb, he will use a series of tools to loosen the tooth from its socket before pulling it out. You will feel very little pressure due to the use of the anesthetic
Step 3. Try the upper jaw expander
The upper jaw expander is usually attached to the top row of teeth and held in place by the maxillary molars. This device is adjusted daily to help gently pull the lower jaw into its correct position.
- The expander is installed by the dentist. Once logged in, use the key to control the expansion. A key is made of a plastic handle and a metal tip that fits into the expander. The orthodontist will show you how to insert and use the key when adjusting the expander.
- You will still need to return several times to the orthodontist to make sure the expansion is going smoothly.
- Usually, the expander is worn for 3-6 months. It may not feel comfortable the first time you put it on, but many people say that expanders are more comfortable than braces.
Method 2 of 3: Fixing a Severe Underbite
Step 1. Wear a chin cap when sleeping
A chin cap is an external device that limits the growth of the lower jaw. This tool fits snugly on the chin, and is wrapped to attach to a strap that runs from the side to the back of the head.
- Chin caps usually only need to be worn for a few days. Others, this tool only needs to be used before bed.
- A chin cap must be prescribed and fitted by a dental orthodontist.
Step 2. Try a reverse face mask
A reverse face mask, or RFM is an external device with a forehead rest, chin rest, and metal blade attached to the lower jaw teeth. This device is prescribed by an orthodontist and is worn temporarily to pull the top row of teeth into their proper position.
RFM is as effective as a chin cap in correcting an underbite
Step 3. Discuss surgery options with your doctor
In cases of severe underbite or in elderly patients, it is likely that the patient will need to undergo oral surgery, but the process usually begins with a consultation with a dentist to assess the feasibility of this option. If deemed appropriate, he will recommend a specialist in your city.
- You can also talk to your dental insurance provider to find out how much dental surgery he or she will cover.
- The general process for underbite correction surgery is to separate the bone at the back of the jaw and change it so that the scalloped part of the lower jaw can be moved into the correct position.
- Surgical treatment can be done in the form of a single correction, or in addition to other corrections such as tooth extraction or braces.
Method 3 of 3: Correcting Using Cosmetics
Step 1. Keep your teeth clean
Cleaning your teeth won't fix the underbite, but it can make it less noticeable. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss every day, and visit the dentist's office every 6 months.
Step 2. Consider using veneers for light underbites
For very mild underbites, adding veneers to the upper teeth can help correct the poor appearance of the teeth caused by the underbite. This step will not improve the bite or jaw alignment. The impact is only cosmetic.
- Veneers are very thin porcelain shells that are attached to the front of the teeth to help adjust their color, size, shape and/or length. Your dentist can adjust veneers to make sure they are the right size and shape for your smile.
- It's normal to be self-conscious about the appearance of an underbite. If your priority is the appearance of a smile, veneers can be the right choice for you.
- If an underbite affects the alignment of your teeth or the way you eat, or is causing pain, you may need more intensive care than veneers.
Step 3. See if the dentist offers a “Facelift”
The process, currently dubbed the “Facelift” technology, uses a combination of reshaping the lower teeth and adding veneers to the upper teeth. Dentists claim that this step improves the appearance and function of the jaw in mild to moderate underbite.
